What Happens if I Get Hit by a Car When I Am Walking in a Parking Lot?

 Posted on January 28, 2026 in Car Accidents

Parking lot accidents happen very frequently. According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian deaths made up 17.9 percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths in 2023. Drivers go tearing through empty lots at high speeds, back up without looking, drive through parking spaces instead of lanes, or simply don’t pay attention when they pull into a spot. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor bruises to serious trauma and even death. 

If you or a loved one has been hit by a car in a parking lot in 2026, you might be wondering what compensation you’re entitled to. A Lake Zurich car accident lawyer can help you with your questions.

Who is at Fault When a Car Hits a Pedestrian in a Parking Lot in Illinois?

Usually, the driver is at fault for hitting a pedestrian in a parking lot. Many people think parking lots are private property where traffic laws do not apply, but Illinois law treats parking lots as roadways in many situations.

Under law 625 ILCS 5/11-1427, drivers must exercise "due care" to avoid colliding with pedestrians. This means it is a driver’s job to make sure they don’t hit people walking. This statute applies in parking lots just as it does on public streets.

Drivers are especially likely to be at fault if they were backing out without checking for pedestrians, speeding, driving distracted, or not yielding at pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians can sometimes also share fault in parking lot accidents, though. 

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Parking Lots?

Many people assume pedestrians always have the right of way in parking lots, but this is not completely true. While drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians under Illinois law, pedestrians also have a responsibility to watch for vehicles. 

If you dart out from between cars without looking or walk through a parking lot distracted by your phone, you could be found partially at fault. Drivers can only do so much to anticipate the actions of pedestrians, especially if they cannot see them.

What Should I Do Right After Being Hit by a Car in a Parking Lot?

The steps you take after being struck can affect your ability to recover compensation. You should:

• Get medical attention immediately. Call 911 even if you think injuries are minor. Some injuries, like head trauma, may not show symptoms right away.

• Report the accident to the police. An official report is important evidence.

• Get the driver's contact and insurance information.

• Take photos if you are able. Document the vehicle, any visible injuries, and the location.

• Look for witnesses and get their contact information.

• Do not apologize or say the accident was your fault.

Notify your insurance company, but be careful what you say. Adjusters may try to minimize your injuries.

If you are hit in an empty lot without other witnesses and the driver leaves without giving you their contact or insurance info, call the police to report a hit-and-run. If you are alone when you are hit, it is extra important that you call 911 and get medical attention before leaving the scene. If 911 cannot get there quickly, call another person to wait with you until they arrive in case you faint or begin to have other injury symptoms.

What Compensation Can I Get After Being Hit by a Car in a Parking Lot in Illinois?

If a driver hit you in a parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Common injuries from parking lot accidents include:

• Broken bones 

• Head injuries

• Back and neck injuries

• Torn tendons and ligaments

• Cuts and bruises 

The amount of money you recover depends on how bad your injuries are. Insurance companies often try to settle pedestrian claims quickly for less than victims deserve. Having legal representation can help you get fair compensation.

Call a Lake Zurich, IL Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Today

If you were hit by a car while walking in a parking lot, the Lake County personal injury attorneys at Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options. We are a father/daughter team local to Illinois with over 25 years of combined personal injury law experience. We understand how to handle pedestrian accident cases so that you have a fair shot at the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 847-796-8448 today for a free consultation.